When performing reel maintenance follow these safety guidelines

Maintenance personnel should be thoroughly familiar with the OEM equipment operation and maintenance manual before performing any maintenance procedures on the machine. When performing any maintenance on the reel, the following safety guidelines should be followed:

1. All power to the machine, controls, drives, and the hydraulic and pneumatic systems must be turned off and locked out before performing any maintenance. This includes routine maintenance such as replacing doctor blades, brake pads, threading ropes or belts, spool starter tire or belts, and turn-up system components. Follow approved mill lockout/tagout procedures.

DANGER: Accidental startups can severely injure personnel.

2. When changing blades on blade-type doctors, make sure to unload the doctor and lock out the entire reel. Wear gloves and be careful near the pulper opening. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

3. Use extreme caution when adjusting proximity switches.

WARNING: If movement has been initiated and does not occur, it is possible that a proximity switch is not actuated. If the switch is then adjusted so it is actuated, SUDDEN MOVEMENT CAN OCCUR. Use extreme caution when troubleshooting these types of problems.

4. Do not depend on hydraulic or pneumatic devices to hold equipment in a raised position while performing maintenance. Use mechanical lockup or blocking.

5. A schedule of periodic inspection should be established and an accurate record kept on each device. Load carrying devices may be inspected visually, chemically or electronically.

6. Use lifting points on equipment as specified by the manufacturers. Never lift the reel drum by its bearings. Instead, use slings to support the shell.

7. Where provisions have been made for lifting eyes to be installed into tapped holes, make certain the eyebolt is tightened to its shoulder, and the eye is parallel to the lifting plane to prevent breakage.

8. To avoid assembly errors, make sure to use any special tools or instructions provided by the manufacturer. Contact the manufacturer if there are any questions. Improper installation of components could lead to part failure or unexpected machine movements.

9. Inspect slings and lifting cables for wear or wear spots before using.

10. Release pressure from all air and oil lines before disassembly. Air and oil under pressure can be dangerous to personnel in the area.

11. Correct all fluid leaks immediately.

WARNING: The hydraulic, pneumatic, and heating systems are all under high pressure. Do not test for leaks with your hands. Use another material (i.e., wood, cardboard, etc.) to avoid risk of burns or injection of hydraulic fluid or air under the skin. Seek emergency medical help for any injuries.

12. Replace bent reel spool journals; do not straighten and re-use them. Use of bent journals leads to metal fatigue and journal breakage. Problems with straightening a spool journal include:

• journals subjected to fatigue stresses will not tolerate yielding
• it is impossible to straighten a journal without overloading the spool head
• the head fit may be lost in attempting to straighten the journal
• even if the journal could be straightened, it would probably creep back 20-30% due to residual stresses

For more information on making your reel operation and maintenance safer, contact your Valmet representative.